BAPTISMAL GARMENTS MINISTRY

This ministry makes stoles for the infants who are baptized at Blessed Sacrament. Volunteers are needed who have a little spare time to make these garments and can sew a simple straight seam and embroider by hand or by machine, Directions are available. The infant baptism garments are simple rectangular pieces of material, lined or hemmed, and embroidered on one side with a cross. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, call Diana White at (352)394-3562, ext 101 at the Parish Office.

CURSILLO / ULTREYA

Cursillo is an opportunity to grow in faith and in spirituality; a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how we can serve Him; an experience of living and sharing with others in a loving and caring Christian community and realizing that this can be extended into our own environment; and a continuing community that gives support and encouragement empowering the renewed Christians to persevere in carrying out their Baptismal vows.

Cursillo includes a three-day weekend which begins on Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday. During these three days, talks are given by lay persons and clergy who have spent time working together carefully planning and preparing for the Weekend. The Cursillo weekend is not a retreat. There is no fasting or extended period of silence. The weekend is an opportunity to meet clergy and laity who are seeking to strengthen their faith. It provides an opportunity through shared prayer, worship, study, fellowship, laughter, tears, and love to experience the reality of the gift of God's love freely and unconditionally given. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated daily. For information contact Mike at (352)551-4250 or Debbie at (352)551-4251 or email debbiemcgill@cfl.rr.com.
 

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Development Committee serves as an advisory body to the pastor and the Finance Committee in the long range planning and development of parish plant and facilities. Members of the Development Committee are selected by the pastor in consultation with the Finance Committee and are appointed on the basis of their expertise in the areas related to fundraising, plant development, engineering, architectural design, and finances. The Development Committee receives support and guidance from the Diocesan Stewardship & Development Office as well as the Office for Building Planning, and Construction. Jim Weis is the Facilitator (352)242-4361.

ENGLISH LITERACY / LITERATURA INGLES

This ministry exists to empower adults by providing basic literacy through individualized tutoring in environments that respect and reverence individuals. It enables learners to transform their lives by acquiring skills to become successful parents, better workers and responsible citizens. This ministry is open to all parishioners who want to better understand the English language. Please bring a notepad and pencil with you to each class. We meet Tuesdays in the Religious Education Bldg. (Christopher Hall) rooms 1& 5. Tutors are needed who are fluent in English and able to read and write. Some experience in instruction would be helpful but not absolutely necessary and knowledge of Spanish is not necessary. Please call Sr. Elizabeth at (352)394-6640 for more information.

Literatura Ingles: Este ministerio existe para empoderar a adultos proveyéndole literatura básica a través de tutores individuales en un ambiente de respeto y reverencia hacia cada individual. Capacitamos a los aprendices a transformar sus vidas ayudándoles a adquirir habilidades para hacerse padres exitosos, mejores trabajadores y ciudadanos responsables. Está abierto a todos los parroquianos quienes desean entender el lenguaje Inglés mejor. Por favor traigan libreta y lápiz con usted a cada clase. Nos reunimos los martes en el edificio de educación Religiosa (Christopher Hall) salones 1 y 5. Se necesitan tutores que sean fluentes en Inglés y sepan leer y escribir. Sería bueno que tenga alguna experiencia como instructor pero no es absolutamente necesario ni tampoco es necesario que sepa Español. Para más información por favor comuníquese con Hna. Elizabeth Demirgian @ 352-394-6640.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Parish Finance Committee serves as an advisory body to the pastor and the Parish Pastoral Council in the administration and stewardship of parish finances, budget, parish facilities, and long-range financial development. Mandated by canon law, parish finance councils, like parish pastoral councils, are consultative bodies:

Each parish is to have a Finance Council which is regulated by universal law as well as by norms issued by the diocesan bishop; in this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the pastor in the administration of parish goods. (Canon 537)

Members of the Finance Council are appointed by the pastor on the basis of their expertise in matters related to accounting and finance, investment management, fundraising/development, budget, engineering, and law. The three-to-five-member Finance Council receives support and guidance from the diocesan Department of Finance.

The Parish Finance Committee and the Parish Pastoral Council function interdependently; it is essential that they communicate with one another in furthering the parish mission. James Laria (djlaria@aol.com) is currently the Facilitator of this committee.

LADIES GUILD

The Blessed Sacrament Ladies Guild was established to serve the pastor and the church, to provide spiritual and social benefits for its members by maintaining a Christian atmosphere, and to provide the enjoyment of fellowship, where friendships can grow and be strengthened. The Guild meets the third Tuesday of the month (September-April) at 12 noon in the Parish Social Hall.

This vibrant group is comprised of enthusiastic ladies who serve Our Lord through commitment and service to the parish and the community. The Guild raises funds for the parish and local charities through a weekly Bingo (Oct.-May) and various annual events (i.e., Rummage Sale, Fashion Show, etc.). The Ladies Guild sponsors a seminarian, hosts the Confirmation Reception, attends an Annual Retreat, participates in the World Day of Prayer, and has several outings to restaurants and places of interest. The Guild is a member of the People of Faith, an organization of women and men from local Christian churches. For more information contact Twan Ray, President, (352)241-0499, or email jray001@cfl.rr.com.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights have four units here at the Blessed Sacrament Church campus under the overall Knights of Columbus umbrella.

Knights of Columbus Council #13240 is the largest and principle unit. The Council has approximately 186 members. The Council meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm in the John Bosco Hall. The Council also has a monthly social meeting on the third Thursday of the month at pre-selected locations. The council officers meetings are on the last Thursday of the month in classroom 4. The principle contacts for the council are as follows: Grand Knight Peter Capece, (352)243-0393, cell (772)571-7084, email p.capece@earthlink.net and Deputy Grand Knight James Laria.(352)243-3292, cell (407)435-2325, email djlaria@aol.com.

The Knights of Columbus Squires Circle is an international fraternity of 10- 18 year olds. The Squires Circle is sponsored by the Blessed Sacrament Knights of Columbus Council #13240. The Squires meet on the second Saturday of every month at 10:00am in classroom 4. Contact person for the Squires Circle is Past GK Eric Palmer, (352)394-5004, cell (407)346-3921, email palmerent@embarqmail.com. or the Council’s Youth Director Frank Regiacorte 352-429-2075, 407-538-6490, fregiacorte@yahoo.com

Knights of Columbus Assembly # 3025 is a separate entity. The Assembly is made up of 4th degree Knights. The Knight’s Color Corps is an integral part of the assembly. Requests for Knights in regalia (Color Corps) should be made directly to the assembly. The Assembly meets at 7:00 pm, on the second Thursday of the month in the church social hall. The principle contact for the Assembly are as follows: Faithful Navigator Peter Stauder, (352)241-0235, email pstauder@embarqmail.com and Faithful Captain James Laria, (352)243-3292, cell (407)435-2325, email djlaria@aol.com.

Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxilliary is a supportive arm of the Knights of Columbus Council and has approximately 30 members. All of our members are spouses or widows of a Knight. They meet on the first Thursday of the month in Classroom #2. The principle contacts are Phyllis Capece, (352)243-0393, email phylliscapece@gmail.com and Diane Laria, (352)243-243-3292.